Controlling Flash with Flash

[JJoe]

This conversation began here with

JJoe Wrote:RE: flash to image

I've wondered if we could use Flash to do this.
Proxomitron would redirect Flash requests or responses to a local Flash file and pass the URL of the external file to the local one. The local Flash file would then provide a toggle or maybe other options.

Turns out the idea may have promise and needs it's own thread. Welcome.

z12 Wrote:

JJoe Wrote:http://osflash.org/osflash

Nice link, I haven't had a chance yet to read this page, lots of info.

One of the problems with Flash has always been it's price.

z12 Wrote:

JJoe Wrote:Seems like I saw lots of ways to pass info to a flash file.
I wonder if that info is still available to the original swf, if the swf is called by another swf.
If js must be used, I understand that there may be problems with various security restrictions.
We shall see.

I was thinking about that. My thought was to intercept the original flash file request via a header filter. This way, we could return our flash file with a query string containing the original url. $RDIR does a browser transparent redirect. So I'm thinking that would get around any security issues. Hopefully, we can rig it so our swf is replaced with the original, not leaving any trace.

My concern here is getting into a $RDIR loop when our swf request the real swf. I'm hoping you got an idea to get around that problem.

Our swf could request an incorrect address that would be redirected but otherwise ignored.

[z12]

JJoe Wrote:Our swf could request an incorrect address that would be redirected but otherwise ignored.

Ok, sounds good. I wasn't sure if the $RDIR would get intercepted.

I downloaded FlashDevelop as I already have .NET installed. Hopefully I'll have the time to install it and try it out in the next few days.

Also downloaded the web developement version of eclipse. That must be one awesome program as the zip file size is 210 Mb. :o)

Mike

[JJoe]

Something to keep in mind.
If the query string must be encoded and if the intercepted file uses a query string, the local flash file may have to handle the encoding.

[z12]

I've thought about that. I need to get FlashDevelop installed and see what we can do with Action Script.

Hopefully, I can get that done tonight.

Mike

[JJoe]

z12 Wrote:Hopefully, I can get that done tonight.

At your leisure, please.

http://prxbx.com/forums/showthread.php?t...95#pid7895

[z12]

Well, I finally got FlashDelvop installed, but after running it, it's become obvious I have some reading ahead of me.

Saw a couple of flash files that have some interesting possibilites here:

http://www.ffiles.com/flash/user_interfa...text_menu/

http://www.ffiles.com/flash/actionscript...t_menu_v2/

Mike

[JJoe]

z12 Wrote:Well, I finally got FlashDelvop installed, but after running it, it's become obvious I have some reading ahead of me.

Oh boy! More reading.
I haven't done much with this. Too much other stuff lately.

z12 Wrote:Saw a couple of flash files that have some interesting possibilites here:

This could get fancy, if it works well enough to use at all.

How about something like
"thumbviewr.swf?imgsrc="
Don't bid on my items, please.

BTW, we have a request for a "Toggle xx Flash Objects" or "Show all Flash" link.

Have fun

[z12]

JJoe Wrote:This could get fancy, if it works well enough to use at all.

I didn't want it to get too fancy, but it's hard not to think about the possibilites. The key here is getting it to work period, which means we need a flash file. I was somehow under the illusion it would be easier to create one than has proved to be the case. I have no doubt that this will happen, but it seems that it will take longer than I thought. Once this hurdle is overcome, then the fun starts and we shall see.

JJoe Wrote:Don't bid on my items, please.

No problem, wouldn't dream of it.

JJoe Wrote:BTW, we have a request for a "Toggle xx Flash Objects" or "Show all Flash" link.

Hmmm, have to think about that. File that under Phase 2. BTW, what did you have in mind for "xx".

Mike

[JJoe]

z12 Wrote:BTW, what did you have in mind for "xx".

Was a copy and paste but I believe the total number of Flash objects.

BTW I haven't put it all together yet but I think I'm almost ready for a simple test with click.

[z12]

JJoe Wrote:BTW I haven't put it all together yet but I think I'm almost ready for a simple test with click.

Did you create a flash file?

Mike

[JJoe]

z12 Wrote:Did you create a flash file?

Not really. I plan on abusing the goodwill swf, if I don't find a better fit.

[JJoe]

It doesn't look good.

Quote:Importing an SWF (File > Import) will have the following results:

* Sounds are not imported.
* Graphic symbols containing animation are imported with each keyframe of the animation in a new keyframe. The contents of each frame in the original animation are converted into a new Graphic symbol, one for each frame in the original symbol.
* All layering is lost. The import will add keyframes to the layer which was active when File> Import was selected, but the original layer structure and layer names are not retained.
* Movie Clip timelines are not imported. Individual elements from the first frame of the Movie Clip's timeline are imported, but are converted to Graphic symbols. All other frames of the Movie Clip are lost.
* Buttons are treated much like Movie Clips. The graphics in the "Up" keyframe are converted to Graphic symbols. Everything else is lost.
* Tweens are not imported.
* Motion Paths are not imported. However, the images from each tweened frame of a motion path are imported as separate images in individual keyframes.
* Imported bitmaps used in the movie are successfully imported, but their original library names are not retained. They will be renamed "Bitmap 1, Bitmap 2" and so forth.

and

Quote:If you've selected "Protect from Import" when creating the SWF, Flash will not be able to reimport the file. Attempting to import a protected SWF will cause an error dialog to appear.

Does it?

An option would be to have the local swf open the swf in a new window. However, I think some of the "results" above would remain.

[z12]

JJoe Wrote:It doesn't look good.

Not for reverse engineering a swf file anyway.

I was hoping that disassembling some flash files would reveal some useful information that could be used in the creation of our swf file. This is definitely not the case.

I've looked around for some source files to study, but haven't had much luck with that. The ones I have found are all for adobe's software. As a last resort I'll grab a trial version, but I don't want to do that until I know I'll have the time to use it.

I'm sure FlashDevelop will be able to create what is needed, but, the software assumes you know something about creating flash. I did see there is an example project that can be downloaded, so my next step is to grab it and see where that leads.

Mike

[Oddysey]

Mike,

I found this today, thanks to ShellCity:

Toufee Flash Producer

It's alleged to be very easy, very quick, and very compact. Just thought you might be able to use it, even though I won't be able to view the results of your efforts.

HTH


Oddysey